The question is not why the Orlando Magic fired general manager Rob Hennigan on Thursday.
The question was why they waited so long to do so.
Hennigan was a disaster, and his team was dysfunctional. His draft picks didn’t work out, and his free agents were worse. He didn’t get along with former coach Scott Skiles.
Meanwhile, the Magic ceased to become relevant and have no immediate hopes of becoming so. Orlando has lost at least 47 games in every season and had never made the playoffs under Hennigan.
“We appreciate Rob’s efforts to rebuild the team, but feel we have not made any discernible improvement over the last few years specifically,” team CEO Alex Martins said in a statement. “It’s time for different leadership in basketball operations. We certainly wish Rob and his family well.”
The Orlando Sentinel reported that the Magic have an interest in former player Grant Hill to work as president of basketball operations, but that it is unclear if Hill has an interest.
Under Hennigan, the Magic lacked stability. Free agents and draft picks have come and gone, as have coaches. There hasn’t been an all-star since Dwight Howard. There have been no trips to the playoffs. In pro sports, fans have to have something to believe in: the star player, the coach, the future.
Meanwhile, the team was 132-278 (.322) during his tenure.
Hennigan didn’t run out of trust Thursday.
He ran out long ago.
